Maloof Family Pavilion unveiled in Shores

Friends, family and city leaders joined businessman and philanthropist Fred Maloof, second from left, at the Friday ribbon cutting for the Maloof Family Pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores.

Family, friends, city employees, elected officials and admirers gathered Friday to honor St. Clair Shores businessman and philanthropist Fred Joseph Maloof as he made yet another donation to the city.

The longtime St. Clair Shores resident and owner of Maloof Jewelry and Gifts, donated approximately $250,000 for construction of a 40-by-60 foot landscaped pavilion in the lakeside Veterans Memorial Park at Jefferson and Masonic. With more than 200 well-wishers looking on, the 91-year-old Maloof cut the ribbon to officially open the beige and brown structure bearing the name Maloof Family Pavilion.

Under sunny skies and in 50-degree temperatures, Maloof said being able to provide the picnic table-filled pavilion is “something that I can’t explain. I’m so happy to take part. It’s for my dad. He was always there for me.”

Advertisement

In the 1930s, Maloof’s father, Charles, turned over the family dairy bar in Detroit to his 15-year-old son, launching his retail career. After serving in the U.S. Army, the younger Maloof eventually traded ice cream for jewelry and his resulting jewelry and gift store has been at its current location, 28525 Harper, for more than two decades, after expanding from other sites in the city.

“I love the people and the city more than I can tell you,” Maloof said.

At the dedication, City Manager Ben Hughes called it “the best day for St. Clair Shores. This is the largest charitable donation in the city’s history.”

During the ceremony, St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby added, “We can’t thank Mr. Maloof enough. He’s been a blessing to all of us. He’s made a life out of giving.”

Parks and Recreation Director Greg Esler, citing Maloof’s continued support of police and fire departments, the city’s Statler-Maloof Bark Park, and his other numerous charitable endeavors, added, “We’re in the presence of a living legend.”

Words of praise for Maloof came from everyone in attendance, including neighbor Kristyl Girschner and retired city engineer R. Marlin Sumner. Sumner, who still does consulting work for the city, said he’s known Maloof for more than 60 years. “He’s done so much for the city,” said Sumner. “He’s always there with prizes -- and they’re always good prizes” for charity events. “I can’t say enough nice things about him.”

Neighbor Girschner calls Maloof “the most wonderful man and such an animal lover.” She said Maloof’s own “big black Lab Statler” was the “love of his life. And he loves St. Clair Shores, too.”

The custom-made locally constructed and landscaped pavilion – which includes a sailboat weathervane on the top -- will be available by reservation for rental for such functions as reunions, social events, picnics and company outings. The Parks and Recration Department will begin taking reservations in January for the pavilion’s use in the 2013 spring/summer season; call 586-445-5350.